‘Fiercely loyal, endlessly generous’ young father named as victim of Rottnest Island shark attack | Australia news

A father of two young daughters, his husband and an avid fisherman have been identified as the victims of a fatal shark attack on Rottnest Island in Western Australia.

Police said Steven Mattaboni, 38, a researcher from Perth, was believed to have been bitten by a shark while in the water at Horseshoe Reef on Rottnest Island around 9.55am on Saturday morning.

He was transported to shore by boat at Geordie Bay on the north side of the island, where he was met by paramedics but could not be revived. A rescue helicopter had arrived at the island, 12 miles off the coast of Fremantle, to take Mattaboni to a hospital on the mainland.

In a statement on Sunday, his wife, Shirene Mattaboni, a clinical nurse specialist, said Steven was a “devoted father” to his daughters, one who turns three next month and one who is a four-month-old baby.

“Our hearts are irrevocably broken by the loss of Steven, affectionately known as Mattas to his friends,” he said in a statement to media outlets.

“He was an avid fisherman and spear fisherman who lived and breathed the ocean, always in tune with the sea.

“He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and the kind of man who would take the shirt off his back for you.”

His wife said the world had lost “a one-of-a-kind gentleman” and our daughters had lost an incredible father too soon.

“We offer our deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to the emergency services and first responders who worked tirelessly to save him,” she said, requesting privacy as the family “continues their incomprehensible loss and grieves the remarkable man we loved so much.”

Kingsley Football Club in Perth’s north, where Mattaboni was a world-class player and a “much loved friend”, said on social media it was “deeply saddened” to hear of his sudden death.

“Mattas was one of the truest people you could ever meet. He had a smile and a presence that could light up a room, and he will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” they said in a statement.

“Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time, especially his wife Shirene and two young daughters.”

Western Australian premier Roger Cook said the incident was “deeply regrettable” and a “tragedy that will be felt by all Western Australians”.

“I offer my sincerest condolences to the man’s family and friends,” he said.

“This is a devastating time for everyone involved. Thank you to the first responders and emergency personnel who arrived on scene.

“I encourage everyone affected by this tragedy to reach out for support.”

According to Surf Life Saving WA, a five-metre white shark was spotted 80 meters offshore at the time of the incident.

The Department for Primary Industries and Regional Development has urged people to be extra careful in the Geordie Bay area.

Rottnest Island, 11 km long and 4.5 km wide, is a popular tourist destination.

WA Police will prepare a report for the coroner.